Dr. Bruce Ashford delivered a powerful sermon from Hebrews 11 in the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Chapel on August 20th. My hope with this post is to hit the highlights of his message, point people to the audio because it is a must-listen, and intersperse some of my thoughts throughout as I meditate upon the themes of his message. Dr. …
Guest Blog: “Why I Am a Southern Baptist” by Alvin Reid
Dr. Alvin Reid is the Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism Professor at Southeastern. He is a student-favorite on the seminary campus as well as among many high school and college-aged students who have the privilege to hear him speak. He is an author, and we at Baptist21 wait eagerly for his co-authored book with Mark Liederbach entitled “The Convergent Church.” …
Inerrancy: Does It Really Matter?
People with different theological leanings might find the question in the title of this post a silly one for a couple of different reasons. “Of course it doesn’t matter,” some would say, “All that matters is that the Bible is true when it speaks about issues of faith.” Others however, speaking from a more conservative viewpoint, would argue that inerrancy …
Greater Things to Come: King Jesus, The Hope of the Nations
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqQhZKpZVCo] We serve a King who is a rescuer, a King who conquers, who defeats, and who heals. He not only puts all His enemies under His feet, He also comforts the hurting, heals the sick, and brings hope to the broken if they run to Him. He conquers the enemies of His children. I encountered two things recently that …
Authentic Church: The Kingdom Glory of Regenerate Church Membership
In the wake of a landslide vote to pass the new resolution on regenerate church membership at this summer’s Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, much conversation has rightly been generated among pastors and other church leaders regarding the integrity of church membership and the practical out-workings of biblical church discipline. Even within the past few weeks I have been involved …
The Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Story of Noah
The story of Noah has been popularized again and again and again. From Bill Cosby’s comic routine to the newly released “Evan Almighty,” the Noah story is everywhere, including YouTube. This atheist who calls herself “Hellbound Alleee,” posted this video about Noah’s Ark. She explains how ridiculous it is that Christian parents are so concerned with TV content and ratings …
Teaching Children the Gospel and Good Works
A few weeks ago our church took over a 100 rising third through sixth graders away for “Kids Camp.” Kids Camp has become legendary at our church. Sure, the legend has something to do with the blob on the lake that sends kids above the tree line. Sure, it has something to do with the zip line, horseback riding, staying …
We’re on Facebook!
Baptist21 is on Facebook! If you have not joined our Facebook group, please do so. You can connect online with other like-minded Baptists, discuss current issues in the SBC, post information about what’s going on at your church on the wall, and find out what we are writing about on Baptist21.com. Hop on Facebook today and search “Baptist 21″or click …
Where Are You From? Family, Work, And The Questions We Don’t Hear
The other day I ran into one of the strangest things that I have seen in a while. There’s a guy living and working in town like he’s living on the other side of the world. You see, over twenty years ago, he moved here to Louisville, but he never changed his schedule. He still gets up and goes to …
Why Are Churches Leaving the SBC?
With a decline in baptisms and membership in Southern Baptist Churches for the third consecutive year, many are asking the question, “Where is everyone going?” Some suggest that the strong leaders of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s are dying without a strong legacy behind them to take the reigns. Others suggest 20 something’s do not really care and are leaving …